Weeds Identification Gallery

Stickleaf

  • Mentzelia dispersa
  • Loasa Family: Loasaceae
Updated: 01/2026

Stickleaf, a broadleaf annual, is found in sandy or rocky soils. It is an early spring weed in California's south-central coast. Because of its sticky leaves, it is easily spread on clothing and equipment.

Erect and spreading plants in wheat field Santa Barbara Co., 4/88 Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Rosette at plant base. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM

Seedling

Seedlings have characteristic stalkless, long, narrow, leaves with wavy edges.

Seedling showing narrow seed leaf and saw-toothed true leaves Santa Barbara Co., 4/88 Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Seedling. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Seedling and young plant, showing saw-toothed leaves Santa Barbara Co., 4/88 Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Older seedling. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM

Mature Plant

The mature plant is about 3 to 19 inches (7.5–47.5 cm) tall and has a basal rosette of leaves. Leaves range from lance shaped to somewhat egg shaped and can have smooth to wavy edges or are deeply lobed. Lower leaves have short stalks and upper leaves are stalkless.

Erect plant with unopened flowers Santa Barbara Co., 4/88 Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Mature plant. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM

Flowers

Flowers are yellow and have five petals and cluster into compact flower heads.

Closeup of open yellow flower; Santa Barbara Co., Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM
Flower. Credit: Jack Kelly Clark, UC IPM

Fruits

The fruit is a small narrow capsule that is from 2/5 to 6/5 of an inch (1–3 cm) long.

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